Humulin 50/50 to be discontinued

Eli Lilly announced that it has decided to stop producing Humulin 50/50 (insulin isophane suspension [NPH] 50% [human, recombinant], regular insulin 50% [human, recombinant]) due to the declining use of this insulin. Approximately 3,000 patients in the U.S. will be affected by this discontinuation. Lilly anticipates that Humulin 50/50 should be available until the end of April 2010 based on the existing inventory and current patient demand. All vials of Humulin 50/50 shipped before that date will now bear the following printed notice on the carton: “Humulin 50/50 is being discontinued. Contact your physician to change to another insulin. For more information call 1-800-545-5979.”

Patients whose antidiabetic treatment regimens include Humulin 50/50 should contact their healthcare professional to ensure sufficient time to transfer to alternate insulin formulations or treatments.

For more information call (800) LillyRx or visit www.lillydiabetes.com.